Objectives: To evaluate the level of empathy among medical students in Kuwait University Medical School and its association with sociodemographic factors, stress levels and personality. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 264 medical students was conducted in the Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University. Empathy levels were measured using the Jefferson Scale, personality was assessed using the Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Scale and the Perceived Stress Scale was used to measure stress levels. Factors associated with empathy were evaluated using t test/ANOVA for categorical variables and correlation for continuous predictors. Results: Mean empathy score was 104.6 ± 16.3. Empathy scores were significantly associated with gender, year of study, mother's level of education, household income, satisfactory relationship with the mother and stress levels. Male medical students in their clinical years also had significantly lower empathy levels. However, factors such as grade point average, desired specialty, marital status of parents, father's educational level and relationship with father were not significantly (p > 0.05) associated with levels of empathy. Stress scores were significantly and positively associated with empathy (r = 0.13; p = 0.041). Conclusion: Medical students in Kuwait University had low empathy level and this may be a cause for concern; as such we suggest a possible inclusion of emphasis on empathy in the curriculum.

Background Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) is the second most common cause of disability. MSD due to the occupation are called work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) and are common among dentists. Objective Assess the prevalence of self-reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) and to identify associated ergonomic practice among dentists practicing in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. Methods Dentists practicing in Jeddah were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study using a self-administered survey. The survey consisted of 20 close-ended questions. The survey included questions regarding demographics, dental practice, general health status, exercising, ergonomic practice, musculoskeletal pain location, the severity of pain using a numeric pain rating scale (0–10), interventions sought, and missed work due to WMSD. Results A sample of 234 dentists participated in this study. Prevalence of WMSD was found to be 70%. The most common location for WMSD pain was in the low back (85%) and neck (84.6%). Female dentists and dentists not exercising regularly had an increased risk of WMSD. The prevalence of CTS was 9%, and its risk increased with age and practicing in the private sector. Among the dental specialties, the least to report WMSD or CTS were maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists. The reported ergonomic practice reached as low as 24%. Conclusion Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and inadequate ergonomic practices were common. Ergonomics training intervention programs targeting dentists is suggested as a preventive measure for longer and healthier career lives.